Senior’s Guide to Charlotte

Things to See and Do Around the City

Charlotte is a growing area brimming with senior-friendly activities. The Queen City has so much to offer its residents and visitors from stunning gardens and art museums to historical buildings and sports arenas. Find ideas for places to visit and activities to do in the city and surrounding communities below in our Senior’s Guide to Charlotte.

Charlotte Symphony

704-972-2000

Spend an evening (or an afternoon on the lawn during the summer) with the Charlotte Symphony, listening to the beautiful live melodies that radiate throughout the concert hall. Discount are offered for groups of over 10 people.

Charlotte Ballet

704-372-1000

Gaze in awe at the beauty and grace of classic, contemporary and dynamic dance pieces artfully choreographed by seasoned talent at the Charlotte Ballet. A discount is offered for seniors.

Opera Carolina

704-332-7177

Enjoy a grandiose performance featuring incredible lyrical storytelling based on timeless tales of romance, comedy and tragedy at Opera Carolina. A discount is offered for seniors.

Billy Graham Library

704-401-3200

Journey through the life of the evangelist, Billy Graham, using interactive kiosks and presentations at the Library. Be sure to tour the Graham Family Homeplace and stroll the Memorial Prayer Garden before you leave.

Levine Museum of the New South

704-333-1887

This museum showcases a comprehensive post-Civil War history of southern society from 1865 to the current decade. A discount is offered for seniors.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

704-353-9200

Engage with stunning works created by famous artisans from the mid 20th century, including Picasso, Warhol and Le Corbusier. A discount is offered for seniors.

Mint Museum UPTOWN

704-337-2000

Attend a lecture or wander through exhibitions in the Mint Museum's Uptown location. Admire American, Modern & Contemporary Art and Craft + Design Collections. A discount is offered for seniors.

Carolina’s Aviation Museum

704-997-3770

This museum, located on the grounds of the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, is a Smithsonian affiliate with exhibits featuring commercial aviation, civil aircraft, military aviation and more.

Mint Museum RANDOLPH

704-337-2000

The historic Mint Museum on Randolph Road highlights pieces from the ancient Americas, European and African collections along with ceramics and decorative arts. A discount is offered for seniors.

Charlotte Museum of History

704-568-1774

The Charlotte Museum of History educates visitors on the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Region through stories of its people and events to promote a new perspective. A discount is offered for seniors.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

704-654-4400

Pay a visit to this renowned entertainment attraction whose vision focuses on honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR, along with icons who have impacted this popular sport. A discount is offered for seniors.

Duke Mansion

704-714-4400

Enjoy a Picnic in the Garden after you explore the classic Southern culture and charm of this gorgeous mansion which has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Historic Rosedale Plantation

704-335-0325

Drop in and go on a guided tour around the 200-year-old Historic Rosedale Plantation. A discount is offered for seniors. **The house tour includes multiple levels of stairs.

Harvey B. Gantt Center

704-374-1565

Listen to a lecture or take in the culture and history of African-Americans and African descendants as you admire galleries filled with pieces created by prominent artisans. A discount is offered for seniors.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

704-825-4490

Gaze in awe at the beauty of nature throughout the year as you peruse beautifully manicured gardens dotted with dazzling fountains. A discount is offered for seniors.

McGill Rose Garden

704-333-6497

Stroll down meandering trails though this industrial coal yard turned gorgeous rose garden. Savor the beauty and scents of over a thousand rose bushes as you walk along its paths.

McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

704-588-5224

Enter the McDowell Nature Center to learn about the flora and fauna spread throughout the preserve before seeing “nature in action” at the National Wildlife Federation Certified Backyard Habitat Garden.

Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary

704-331-0664

Take in and enjoy natural beauty as you study Southern horticulture and observe wildlife at the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary in Charlotte.

Carolina Raptor Center

704-875-6521

Walk the Raptor Trail to learn about and see over 30 species of birds, including eagles, hawks, falcons and more at the Carolina Raptor Center in nearby Huntersville. A discount is offered for seniors.

Bank of America Stadium

704-358-7000

Catch a Panthers game or the annual Belk Bowl at this incredible 75,412-seat football stadium located within center city in Uptown Charlotte.

Spectrum Center

704-688-9000

Stop by the Spectrum Center (formally known as the Time Warner Cable Arena) and watch the Charlotte Hornets or college basketball teams play.

BB&T Ballpark

704-274-8300

Enjoy skyline views when you go out to see the Charlotte Knights play a ballgame at this baseball stadium near Uptown in Charlotte.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

704-455-3200

Enjoy watching a NASCAR race or other Motorsports show at the former Lowe’s Motor Speedway, which is located north of Charlotte in Concord.

Bojangles Coliseum

704-372-3600

Sit back, relax and watch the Charlotte Checkers play an ice hockey game or see a concert at this huge multi-purpose arena.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

704-391-3900

Participate in outdoor recreational fun at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Enjoy less strenuous activities like canoeing and gentle hiking or try whitewater rafting, rock climbing or mountain biking.

Freedom Park

980-314-1002

Go for a gentle stroll along paved trails, birdwatch, enjoy a picnic or take part in athletic activities, such as tennis, at this huge park centered around a 7-acre lake.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

980-314-1002

Currently under construction, the future 19-mile long paved Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a perfect destination in Charlotte for outdoor recreation, such as walking, running, biking and leisure.

Crowder’s Mountain State Park

704-853-5375

Enjoy beautiful outdoor scenery and take a hike on one of 11 trails at Crowder’s Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to observe museum-quality exhibits.

Anne Springs Close Greenway

803-548-7252

Explore the outdoors on more than 2,100 acres at this Greenway. With 40 trails to choose from, you’ll have plenty of places to go hiking, biking or horseback riding. You can also fish in designated areas with a permit.

“Continuing a Social Lifestyle”

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Our Charlotte retirement homes and community are conveniently located in the South Park area. Plan a visit to see our award winning continuing care retirement community (CCRC) and meet our friendly staff. You will see why the Cypress of Charlotte is a unique community when compared to other retirement communities in this area.